Schilt Hike in Glarus - Getting it Right

Peak Perfection: Chasing the Clouds on the Schilt via the Äugstenbahn

Conquering the Schilt is one of the many amazing Glarus hiking adventures, packing a thrilling 1,800m vertical ascent into an unforgettable alpine journey. Standing near 2,300m, the Schilt summit offers sweeping 360-degree panoramas of the Glarus Alps, including the mighty Tödi and Glärnisch massifs.

By using the historic, Äugstenbahn cable car from Ennenda, you can cut out the dense forest grind and launch yourself straight into pristine alpine pastures, rugged limestone karst landscapes, and dramatic ridge walks.

Try and Try Again

I have a history with this mountain, in 2017 as an inexperienced hiker I got a bit lost and tried to climb it directly up the incredibly steep scree fields then a rocky gully, etc., until I arrived about 200m from the summit. Even chamois came out to see what the idiot was doing. Rather than risk serious injury ir worse I retreated.

I then attempted to repeat the route in 2924 in somewhat wintery conditions, this time I was on the right track but still didn't make it all the way as I had no snowshoes or micro-spikes.

In 2025 I finally managed to make it sll the way, this time using the cable car - which was of course under repair by the time I got back...

Trip Overview

• Starting Point: SBB station to car park of the Ennenda Valley Station (480m) then up to Bärenboden Mountain Station (1,440m)

• Highest Point: Schilt Summit (2,299m) plus Tristli at (2,286m)

• Distance: Approx. 16 Km (including the valley walk)

• Duration: 5-6h of total hiking time

• Difficulty: Medium to Hard (Swiss T2/T3 mountain trails)

Gear Checklist: What to Pack

See ny general article on this topic...

• Bonus Gear: A pair of binoculars or a monocular. You will be walking through a protected game reserve where spotting wildlife from afar is incredibly rewarding.

Step 1: The Thrill of the Äugstenbahn

Your adventure begins in the quiet village of Ennenda, nestled right next to Glarus. Stepping up to the Äugstenbahn valley station, you quickly realize this is not your typical tourist gondola. This is a charming, self-service 8-person cable car.

As the doors close and the cable hums to life, you are rocketed nearly 1,000 vertical meters up the sheer cliff face. In just seven breathtaking minutes, the valley floor shrinks to a miniature grid. You glide over treetops and rugged rock walls before stepping out onto the sun-drenched terrace of Bärenboden at 1,440m.

Step 2: The Ascent to Alp Fesis and the "Upside-Down" Mountains

Stepping off the cable car, the crisp mountain air hits you instantly. From Bärenboden, follow the yellow trail markers pointing up toward Alp Fesis. The trail starts with a steady, heart-pumping climb through lush green meadows dotted with grazing cows.

As you ascend, you are stepping directly into the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. This region is of immense geological importance because it exposes the famous Glarus Thrust (Glarner Hauptüberschiebung) - a phenomenon that fundamentally changed our global understanding of how mountains are formed.

As you hike toward the higher limestone fields, you are walking through an "upside-down" mountain landscape. Here, giant continental plates collided with such incomprehensible force that a massive packet of older rock (the 250-300-million-year-old, reddish-green Verrucano formation) was pushed completely over the top of a much younger layer of rock (the 35-50-million-year-old, grey-brown Flysch). 

Keep your eyes trained on the surrounding rock faces: you can see the distinct, razor-sharp fracture zones and jagged, twisted strata where the ancient crust literally slid 35 Km northward over the younger stone.

Step 3: Conquering the Limestone Karst and Ridge

As you climb higher past the tree line, the landscape transforms completely. The soft grass gives way to dramatic, weathered limestone karst formations shaped by thousands of years of glacial melting and rain.The path sharpens into a classic alpine mountain trail, zig-zagging up toward the ridge between the Schilt and Tristli peaks. 

As you hit the Rotärd ridge, the views expand wide open to the east, revealing deep valleys and hidden peaks. The final push to the summit follows a broad, grassy ridge crest - an exhilarating stretch where you feel like you are walking on top of the world.

Flora and Fauna: Life in the Schilt Federal Game Reserve

Because the cable car schedule is strictly adapted to protect the local ecosystem, nature remains beautifully undisturbed here. You are hiking through the Schilt Federal Game Reserve, a sanctuary teeming with life.

Alpine Fauna

Keep your binoculars ready as you move through the rocks and upper pastures:

• Chamois & Alpine Ibex: These majestic mountain dwellers are frequently seen grazing on the rocky slopes at the foot of the Schilt, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. They are remarkably accustomed to respectful hikers and often display little fear of people.

• Marmots: Listen for the piercing, high-pitched whistles echoing across the open alpine bowls - a warning signal that a colony of these furry creatures has spotted you approaching.

• Black Grouse: If you are lucky, you might spot the rare black grouse hiding in the transition zones between the upper forests and open meadows.

Alpine Flora

The patchwork landscape along the trail is a botanical paradise:

• The Upper Forest Line: Near Bärenboden, the trail winds past massive boulders interspersed with sturdy Swiss stone pines (Arven), mountain pines and spruce trees.

• Alpine Wildflowers: During the summer months, the meadows explode with color. You will walk past bright blue gentians, delicate silver thistles nestled low against the rock, and bright yellow buttercups.

Step 4: Triumph at the Schilt and the Twin Peak's Metal Cross

Reaching the high shield-shaped summit of the Schilt at 2,299 m is pure euphoria. While the Schilt marks the high point of the immediate ridge line, the ultimate panoramic reward requires looking just a short distance ahead.

Following the rocky, dramatic crest just a few hundred meters further brings you to the neighboring peak of Tristli (2,286 m). While the Schilt offers massive expansive space, it is here on Tristli where you are greeted by a striking, weather-beaten metal summit cross anchored directly into the rock.

Standing beneath this metal monument gives you a profound, dizzying bird’s-eye perspective. The views from this specific vantage point explode:

• Directly Below: A jaw-dropping, near-vertical look down into the Linth Valley and the town of Glarus.

• To the West: The spectacular turquoise waters of Lake Klöntal locked tightly between steep mountain flanks.

• To the South: The glaciated, white crown of the Tödi massif piercing the sky.

It is the perfect spot to unstrap your backpack, log your name in the summit book, and feel the raw, exposed energy of the high Alps.

Step 5: The Alpine Descent to the Cable Car

After taking all your photos, retrace your steps down the ridge toward the Rotärd pass. The descent offers a completely different perspective of the Glarus valley opening up beneath your boots.

As you approach the lower pastures, make a detour to the Äugstenhütte. Rewarding yourself with a cold drink, a slice of homemade fruit tart, or a plate of local mountain cheese on their panoramic sun deck is the ultimate way to wrap up the physical effort. 

From the hut, a quick 10-min stroll brings you back to the Bärenboden station, where the Äugstenbahn waits to sweep you safely back down to reality in Ennenda. If the cable car is not working then you have a much longer zigzag hike back down to Glarus.

Step 6: Cool Down Along the Linth River to Glarus Station

Stepping out of the Äugstenbahn valley station back at 480 m, your alpine route translates seamlessly into a tranquil valley stroll. Instead of calling it a day, follow the path west toward the shimmering waters of the Linth River.

You will merge onto the idyllic Linth-Uferweg (Linth Bank Trail), an easy, mostly gravel footpath that traces the river's edge. The contrast is striking: the roar of the alpine wind is replaced by the soothing rushing sound of the glacier-fed river, while the giant limestone walls of Vorder Glärnisch frame your views from below.

Stroll along the lush green banks under the shade of riverside trees. After a short, relaxing walk, you will reach the main Linth Bridge. Cross over the water, navigate the short underpass, and wander past the classic architecture of the town center. Within 10-15m of leaving the cable car, you will arrive right at the Glarus Train Station - perfectly timed to catch your train home or stock up on treats at the nearby Migros grocery store.

This hike was made by the Author on the 19th of September 2025. For more photos or to ask questions, please email me here.

Corbassiere Glacier Hike from Mauvoisin

The Corbassiere Glacier - a Spectacular Hike from Mauvoisin to Fionnay VS

Conquering the steep, rugged trails from Hotel Mauvoisin near the famous dam & reservoir in Valais (as described in another Blog), up to the massive Corbassière Glacier, past the heights of Cabane FXB à Panossière (refuge), and across a breath-taking suspension bridge, then down to Fionnay VS is an unforgettable Swiss alpine adventure. 

As you transition from massive stone walls to raw glacial ice, you will step into the thriving wilderness of the Haut Val de Bagnes nature reserve. Surrounding you at every step is a cathedral of towering, snow-capped peaks that dominate the horizon.

Overview

Before you go, here is what to expect on this high-alpine route:

• Distance: Approx. 16 km (10 miles) from start to finish.

• Elevation Gained: Around 1,000 m (3,400 feet) of grinding ascent, mostly concentrated on the climb out of Mauvoisin to the Col des Otanes (2,870m).

• Duration: Expect 5-7 hours of active hiking time, excluding stops for food & photos.

• Difficulty: Rated T3 (Challenging Mountain Hike) on the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) scale. The paths are well-marked but entail steep, exposed terrain, loose moraine scree, and rugged high-altitude regions requiring good footing and sturdy boots. Do not attempt in rain, snow or icy conditions.

The Ascent from Mauvoisin

• The Start: Begin your journey near the towering Mauvoisin Dam and Hotel Mauvoisin (see below).

• The Ascent: Head up toward the high-altitude pass, tackling a steep zigzag trail that elevates your heart rate as the tree line fades into raw stone and sky.

• The Glacier: Reach the high vantage beyond the pass to catch your first jaw-dropping look at the 10-Km-long Corbassière Glacier cradled by the Grand Combin massif. 

Guarded by Giants: Spectacular Peaks Along the Trail

• The Sovereign Grand Combin: Standing at a colossal 4,314 m, the Grand Combin is the undisputed king of this region. Unlike the sharp needle of the Matterhorn, it rises as a massive, Himalayan-scale fortress of eternal ice, heavily glaciated balconies, and sheer rock walls.

• The Shorter Siblings: Flanking the giant plateau are Combin de Corbassière (3,663m) and Petit Combin (3,668m). These rugged, heavily-armored peaks frame the western edge of the glacier like frozen sentinels.

• The Eastern Spires: To your east, the sharp silhouettes of Grand Tavé (3,158m) and the white dome of Tournelon Blanc (3,702m) rise sharply against the Valais sky.

Along the Moraine to Panossière

• The Ridge: Follow the rugged lateral moraine of the glacier, where every step puts the immense power of moving ice on stark display.
• The Refuge: Arrive at the iconic Cabane FXB à Panossière, perched at 2,641 m.

• The Atmosphere: Take a well-deserved break on the sunny terrace, surrounded by silent peaks and echoing groans of the glacier below. Have a tea or coffee and some excellent home-made food.

Encounters in the Haut Val de Bagnes Nature Reserve

• Keep your eyes trained on the steep crags above the trail/pass to spot the majestic Alpine ibex. These massive, gravity-defying mountain goats are instantly recognizable by their giant, swept-back curved horns.

• Look closely at the loose scree slopes for chamois. Smaller and faster than the ibex, these timid animals skip across the rocks with unbelievable speed.

• Listen carefully for a sharp, high-pitched whistle echoing across the meadows. That is the warning call of the marmots, whom you can often spot sunning themselves on boulders near their burrows.

• Cast your eyes upward to scan the thermals; you might just spot the immense 2.5m wingspan of a rare bearded vulture or a hunting golden eagle.

Across the Iconic Corbassière Footbridge

• The Origins: Built by the municipality of Bagnes, the legendary Corbassière suspension bridge (Passerelle de Corbassière) officially opened to hikers in 2014.

• Born from Climate Change: For decades, hikers walked directly across the lower tongue of the glacier. Rapid global warming caused the glacier to recede and thin dramatically, making the traditional route dangerous due to unstable, crumbling moraines.

• Engineering a Solution: To save a vital segment of the multi-day Tour des Combins trek, engineers anchored this massive steel footbridge directly into the bedrock.

• The Specs: Stretching 190 m long and hanging 70 m directly above the roaring glacial outflow, the bridge provides a totally secure and thrilling vantage point.

The Suspension Bridge and Descent to Fionnay

• The Crossing: Step onto the spectacular 190-meter-long Corbassière suspension bridge, suspended 70m above the glacial drop.

• The Descent: Follow the winding mountain path downward, tracing the rushing streams and alpine vegetation.

• The Finish: Drop steadily through the fragrant pine forests until you reach the charming village of Fionnay to complete the hike. 

Fueling Up: Food Options at the Start and End

You will not go hungry on this trek; both your starting line and your finish line boast exceptional local dining to keep your energy high.

• At the Start (Mauvoisin): Before hitting the steep switchbacks, grab a hearty meal or espresso at the historic Hôtel de Mauvoisin. Their restaurant features authentic Valais seasonal cuisine utilizing local mountain products, fresh home-baked bread, and protein-packed mountain plates to power your thousand-meter ascent. You can also get a great packed lunch to take with you on your trek…

• At the End (Fionnay): Celebrate a successful hike in the quiet hamlet of Fionnay. You can dive into authentic Swiss comfort food at the cozy Hotel Grand-Combin, which is famous for its rich Valais cheese fondues, traditional croûte au fromage, and loaded Assiette Valaisanne charcuterie boards. 

• Alternatively, slide into Restaurant Le Mazot for its renowned homemade Ticinese polenta, grilled meats, and refined alpine plates that make the perfect reward for a grueling 1,350m descent.

This route was hiked by the Author on the 21st of August 2025.

Blatten - a Catastrophe in the Alps Serves as a Wake-up Call

Ground Zero in the Alps: The Catastrophic Blatten Landslide and the Future of Alpine Communities

On May 28th, 2025, the historic Swiss alpine village of Blatten, nestled in the Lötschental valley in Valais, was obliterated by a massive rock-ice avalanche and subsequent landslide. Triggered by the sudden collapse of the Birch Glacier, an estimated 20M tonnes of rock & ice surged down the mountain, burying over 90% of the village and damming the local Lonza River. 

Thanks to monitoring, an early evacuation saved nearly all 300 residents, but the disaster stands as a stark, terrifying manifestation of climate change in high-altitude regions. Now, more than a year after the catastrophe, the region is transitioning from emergency response to a massive, highly complex engineering and relocation phase…

The Anatomy of a Cascading Disaster

The catastrophe at Blatten was not a single, isolated event but rather a textbook "cascading disaster" that unfolded over several weeks:

1. The Trigger: Kleines Nesthorn Decomposes

Towering 3,341 m above the valley, the Kleines Nesthorn mountain had experienced deep structural instability for years. However, rapidly rising global temperatures and thawing permafrost - the invisible "glue" holding alpine rock faces together - accelerated the decay. Throughout early May 2025, the mountain began shedding immense rockfalls…

2. The Overloading of the Birch Glacier

Between May 19 and 28, roughly 9-10M tonnes of rock debris broke away from the mountain and dropped directly on top of the Birch Glacier below. Perched precariously on a steep slope, the glacier groaned under the sudden, immense weight.

3. The Collapse and Catastrophic Surge

At 3:24 p.m. local time on May 28th, 2025, the overloaded glacier completely detached. The combined mass of rock and ice traveled over a 1,200 m vertical drop, reaching speeds well over 100 km/h. The momentum was so violent that the debris field pulverized everything in its path and then surged 200 m up the opposite side of the valley slope, registering as a 3.1 magnitude earthquake.

Saved by Science, Shadowed by Tragedy

If there is any solace in the Blatten disaster, it lies in the triumph of modern geology and early warning systems. On May 19, nine days before the final collapse, natural hazard experts and geologists noticed a large spike in the mountain’s movement. Local authorities acted immediately, ordering a total evacuation of Blatten's 300 residents and all their livestock. 

Because of this decisive action, hundreds of lives were saved.Tragically, the event was not entirely bloodless. A 64-year-old local shepherd, who was reportedly tending to animals just outside the official evacuation zone, was caught in the path of the avalanche and lost his life.

Sidebar: Monitoring the Danger Zone: a Tech Shield

To protect construction crews, transit routes, and the upcoming new settlement, the Canton of Valais has blanketed the valley in a state-of-the-art hazard detection matrix. Because the Kleines Nesthorn face still creeps up to 10 cm per day in summer, geologists rely on a multi-layered defense system:

• InSAR Satellite Radar: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar tracks millimeter-level movements of the rock face from orbit, providing long-term predictability.

• Ground-Based Monitoring: Automated total stations (theodolites) target permanent reflectors on unstable slopes to log structural shifts in real time.

• Seismic Geophones: Acoustic sensors planted in the rock detect micro-cracks and sub-surface fracturing, serving as an immediate early warning for rockfalls.

• Drone Patrols: Autonomous drone swarms routinely map the changing topography of the unstable upper slopes without risking human lives.

The Immediate Aftermath: Debris and Drowning

When the dust settled, the pastoral calm of the Lötschental valley was replaced by a raw, grey/brown scar. Approximately 90-95% of Blatten was destroyed. Historic homes, multi-generational farms, bridges, and the local church were all flattened under many meters of ice, mud and rock.

To compound the devastation, the avalanche completely choked the Lonza River. The river rapidly backed up, forming a temporary lake that submerged the few remaining buildings that had survived the initial impact. Downstream, engineers rushed to lower the water levels of the Ferden hydropower dam to prevent a secondary flash flood from threatening further communities.

Restoring Connections: Reopening the Fafleralp Road

The destruction of the original transit corridor completely isolated the Fafleralp outpost - a critical tourist hub further up the valley featuring a historic 100-bed hotel, an SAC hut and glacier/via ferrata hiking routes. To revive the local economy and reconnect the community, infrastructure teams worked aggressively to establish a provisional road route.

On June 26, 2026, the cantonal road between Blatten and Fafleralp officially reopened to vehicle traffic, albeit under strict, highly automated safety conditions:

• Dynamic Safety Controls: Traffic flow is now governed by two automated traffic light systems linked directly to sensors monitoring the highly active Oigschtchummun Glacier. If the glacier shifts rapidly, the lights automatically turn red to close the corridor.

• Strict Restricted Zones: Stopping is strictly banned along the road, a comprehensive exclusion zone remains active south of the Lonza River, and the popular hiking trails between Eisten and Fafleralp remain closed indefinitely.

The Long-Term Solution

Construction officially broke ground in April 2026 on a permanent, structurally protected, year-round alternative road. This major engineering project will take 3-4 years to complete, targeting an official opening around 2029 or 2030.

Moving Upward: The Relocation Plan

The disaster caused an estimated $400M in damages, and subsequent geological surveys conducted by the Canton of Valais concluded that the valley floor is permanently unsafe. The Kleines Nesthorn mountain face continues to shift up to 10 cm a day during the warmer months. As a result, cantonal authorities finalized strict geological zoning laws declaring 70% of Blatten's original footprint completely unbuildable, legally forcing the community to move.

• Siting Shift: The new village is being moved higher up the mountain slope, entirely detached from the old debris cone and the footprint of the temporary lake.

• Downsized Footprint: Because available, safe terrain is limited at higher elevations, the new layout of Blatten will be significantly smaller and denser than the original pre-2025 settlement.

• Reconstruction Timeline: Basic water, electricity, and fiber-optic grids have successfully reached the safe boundaries of the new zone. The Blatten Mayor and the local community target the erection of the first temporary buildings in 2027, with the permanent relocation of residents completed by 2030.

Final Thoughts

Previous landslides, such as Bondo, and the catastrophic loss in Blatten have served as a wake-up call for nearby high-altitude towns like Kandersteg, prompting millions of dollars in new investments for radar, GPS, and drone monitoring systems to track failing peaks before they claim the next alpine village...

The region a few months prior to the landslide...

The author visited Blatten and hiked around the area as much as was permitted on July 16th 2025.

For more photos or to make comments & ask questions, please contact me by email here.